Lid for beverage container

ABSTRACT

Applicant has developed a novel lid assembly. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a lid for use in conjunction with a beverage container comprises: a plastic molding of circular footprint with a first inverted U-channel feature at its perimeter which engages the lip of a container. The outermost wall of the channel incorporates a plurality of molded, rolled, or similarly created, inwardly facing latch features at its boundary that engage reentrant detailing on the underside of the container&#39;s lip. The lid is detached from the container by the purposeful disengagement of said latch details from the lid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention relates to, and is entitled to the benefit of theearlier filing date and priority of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/712,092filed Aug. 30, 2005.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lid for use with a beverage containerand in particular, to a lid that may be used with a disposable beveragecontainer.

BACKGROUND

The use of a molded plastic lid to cover and seal the top of a beveragecontainer is well documented. The known lids, with varying degrees ofsuccess, provide spill and leak resistance of the contained fluid, airventing, sealing capability enabling the content's intermittentconsumption, and the prevention of foreign bodies entering the beverage.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,440 (“the 440 patent”) to Gartner, issued Jul. 12,1988, describes a non-vented lid having a deformable planer coversurface that incorporates a raised drinking spout. The spout's concavetip profile incorporates a plurality of small apertures through whichthe containers contents are selectively dispensed. The product's lid andspout detailing function cooperatively enabling the pressure balancingdeformation of the cover element at the application of suction, negativepressure, during the drinking process. The lid sealingly engages abeverage container at its perimeter with prior-art detailing, a radiusedsnap-on, snap-off feature which determines the usefulness of the subjectapplication.

Subsequent to the '440 patent, U.S. Pat. No 4,925,051 (“the 051 patent”)to Herbst, issued May 15, 1990, describes a substantially similarproduct to the '440 patent in which the lid's raised spout feature ispositioned within a trough that is integrated within the cover element.The tip of the spout feature incorporates slit detailing which opensresponsive to the application of a downward force, to dispense thecontainer's content there through. The positional relationship betweenthe valved spout and trough detailing restrict the product's convenientusage.

In addition, U.S. Pat. No 4,946,062 (“the 062 patent”) to Coy, issuedAug. 7, 1990, describes a product that is substantially similar to the'440 patent in which the spout is adapted to incorporate a ‘duck-bill’valve that controls the flow of beverage from the container. The lid'splaner cover incorporates vent detailing that balances the negativepressure created by suction during beverage dispensing. As the '440patent, the lid sealingly engages a container at its perimeter with aradiused snap-on, snap-off feature which determines the usefulness ofthe subject application.

U.S. Pat. No 5,050,758 (‘the 758 patent’) to Freeman, issued Sep. 24,1991, describes a non-venting lid, that as the corollary to the nowlapsed U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,033 to Payne, issued Feb. 6, 1979,incorporates a flap-sealed spout detail which is activated by thepinching pressure of the lips about its outer surface during beveragedispensing. The flap-seal may be selectively snapped shut within the lidto prevent egress of fluid. A companion container within whose inner lipdetail the outer lid's lip sealingly engages, is illustrated but notdiscussed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,347 (‘347 patent’) also to Freeman, issued Feb. 16,1993, describes a product that is substantially similar in form to boththe '440 patent and the now lapsed U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,156 toLobbestael, issued Jan. 6, 1981, and functionally similar to the '051patent, replacing said spout's beverage-dispensing slit detailing with amembrane component.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,255 (‘255 patent’) to Varano, issued Jan. 31,1995,describes a vented, biodegradable product that incorporateslid-to-container engagement detailing which is derivative of here-citedprior art solutions, but is more substantially retained and constructed.The product's inwardly rolled perimeter detailing engages the similarlydetailed container lip providing an improved, reversible holding force.

U.S. Pat. No 5,850,908 (‘908 patent’) to Jasek, issued Dec. 22, 1998,describes a vented, pressure sensitive closure device that is mounted tothe top of a beverage container. When suction is applied to the device'smouthpiece, seal details within its structure are opened enabling fluiddispensing, and close when the suction force is removed. If carbonatedbeverage is present within a related container, an increase of internalpressure will result in a higher fluid sealing force. The complexity ofthe product dictates both an elevated manufacturing cost and itsnon-disposable usage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,565 (‘565 patent’) to Paczonay, issued Jul. 27,1999, describes a vented, pressure sensitive closure device which,activated by positive pressure, is the corollary of the vacuum, negativepressure activated '908 patent. Both products are mounted to the top ofa beverage container, but Paczonay's valve assembly requires that thecontainer be upended when dispensing fluid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,205, (‘the 205 patent”) to LaJoie, issued Aug. 31,1999 describes a baby feeding bottle that incorporates an air ventcomponent within its structure. Similar in detail to the valved spoutsof cited prior art devices, the air vent, which is mounted to either theside wall or base surface of the container, enables desirable internalpressure balance as its fluid contents are dispensed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,426, (“the 426 patent”) to Stern, issued Nov. 23,1999 describes a product that is substantially similar in form andperformance characteristics, to the '440, '051 and '62 patents in itslid-to-container engagement detailing. A non-fluid dispensing lid, theproduct incorporates a vent hole at the center of its planer cover overwhich a hydrophobic filter is attached. The filter facilitates therelease of pressure from inside the container while preventing leakageof its contents.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,710, (“the 710 patent”) to Chomic, issued Oct. 31,2000 describes a feeding bottle vent disc that is substantially similarin overall concept to the '205 patent and in specific design detailing,to the spout tip elements of both the '440 patent which comprises aplurality of through holes and '051 patent which comprises a pluralityof slots. The vent is incorporated within a feeding bottle to elevatethe vacuum pressure created when fluid is withdrawn there from duringfeeding.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,711, (“the 711 patent”) to Lansky, issued Mar. 13,2001 describes a splash guard for a beverage container that comprises anupper and lower lid component, which are assembled in an axiallyadjustable relationship to one another. The lids may be rotated withrespect to one other to effect either a ‘flow’ or ‘no flow’ capablepositioning. As the '758 patent, the splash guard sealably engages theinterior wall of the beverage container adjacent to its lip detail, andat its exterior wall by similar, performance determining detailing tothat of the '440 patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,570, (“the 570 patent”) to Atkin, issued Oct. 23,2001 describes a ‘leak proof’ closure, lid assembly, which as the '440patent, sealingly engages a container at its perimeter with a radiusedsnap-on, snap-off feature. The lid comprises a planer cover surface andraised spout feature as the '440 patent to which additionally, amulti-functional diaphragm valve assembly is mounted. When a suctionforce is applied to the spout the axially mounted valve is drawn awayfrom its seat enabling passage of the contained beverage to the user.Flexion of the diaphragm simultaneously enables the passage of air intothe container at the valves perimeter, which beneficially balances itsinternal and external pressures.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,048 (“the 048 patent”) to Kevorkian, issued Jun. 4,2002 describes a vented feeding bottle which combines the general formof the '205 patent with the specific hydrophobic vent detail of the '426patent. As the '710 patent and others, the vent is incorporated withinthe bottle to alleviate the vacuum pressure created when fluid iswithdrawn there from during feeding.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,390 (“the 390 patent”) to Waller, issued Aug. 13,2002 describes a lid that is substantially similar in overall conceptionto the '051 patent but distinct in its spill-limiting feature. In oneembodiment, the planer cover surface incorporates a radially partitionedtrough feature adjacent to its outer edge. The trough positioned moreclosely to the lid center incorporates a plurality of apertures withinits outermost wall as it transitions to the through base. Fluiddispensed through said apertures, accumulates in the trough before beingconsumed, a feature that both limits spill volume and enables theprotected dispensing of either hot or cold fluids. The planer cover alsoincorporates a small vent hole that alleviates the vacuum pressurecreated when fluid is withdrawn there from.

What is needed in the industry is a beverage lid that will overcomeproblems observed with the known lids discussed previously. It is anadvantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide afunctional spill-proof lid that will not separate from the beveragecontainer to which it is attached during normal use. It is a furtheradvantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a lidthat may be selectively locked to, and released from a beveragecontainer.

It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present inventionthat the incorporated spout feature comprises a valve. It is yet anotheradvantage of an embodiment of the present invention to incorporate aspout that enhances the spill resistance of the beverage container whilesimultaneously providing selective activation or deactivation ofbeverage flow to the user.

It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present inventionthat the spout valving is activated by compression of the users lips,rather than force generated by suction. It is still another advantage ofan embodiment of the present invention that the spout isergonometrically detailed and is self-adapting to the users uniqueneeds.

It is still another advantage of an embodiment of the present inventionthat the spout element is positioned in angular relationship to thelid's planer cover surface thereby enhancing user comfort andconvenience. It is still another advantage of an embodiment of thepresent invention to provide a spout incorporating vent detailing thatenables pressure normalization within the container while its contentsare being consumed.

It is a further advantage of an embodiment of the present invention toprovide a valve assembly that enables pressure normalization whilesimultaneously preventing fluid leakage there through. It is anadditional advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that aleak-proof seal between lid and beverage container is created byslidingly mating the conic surfaces of the inner container wall adjacentits lip and, the outer alignment wall of the lid, in preference to thesurface-to-surface sealing method of existing product offerings. It isan additional advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that alid comprising the aforementioned detailing is adaptable for use withbeverage containing cold beverage, carbonated or non-carbonatedbeverage, and/or hot beverage.

SUMMARY

Responsive to the foregoing challenges, Applicant has developed a novellid assembly. At least one embodiment of the present invention comprisesa lid assembly for a beverage container comprising a lid component andan integrated spout, wherein the spout comprises a dispensing apertureand a valve, wherein the lid component comprises a first perimeterchannel dimensioned to reversibly engage the lip of a container and asecond inscribed channel in communication with the inner circumferenceof the first perimeter channel, at least one latching feature disposedon an interior surface of the first perimeter channel, and wherein thevalve has a first position and a second position. The assembly mayfurther comprise at least one venting aperture. The valve may be biasedtowards the first position. The valve comprises at least one flap,and/or a sealing plate. The latching feature may comprise at least onelatching edge.

The at least one venting aperture may be disposed on the lid componentand/or on the integrated spout. There may be at least two ventingapertures. The venting aperture and/or the spout may be comprised of ahydrophobic membrane. The lid assembly may comprise individual latchingfeatures, at least two latching features, and/or one continuous latchingfeature disposed around the interior surface of the first perimeterchannel. The valve may have a first closed position and a second openposition, wherein the valve may be biased towards the first closedposition. The spout may further comprise a valve seat incorporating atleast one venting aperture which is sealed off by a sealing plate whenthe valve is in the first closed position and are open when the valve isin the second open position.

According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a lid for use inconjunction with a beverage container comprises: a plastic molding ofcircular footprint with a first inverted U-channel feature at itsperimeter which engages the lip of a container. The outermost wall ofthe channel incorporates a plurality of molded, rolled, or similarlycreated, inwardly facing latch features at its boundary that engagereentrant detailing on the underside of the container's lip. The lid isdetached from the container by the purposeful disengagement of saidlatch details from the lid.

A second, deeper ‘U’ channel is positioned concentrically inboard of thefirst channel and comprises a plurality of gas-venting slots. Thechannel sealingly locates the lid within the container while providingstructural integrity to the molding. A planer cover surface, bordered bythe inner circumference of the second channel, arcs upwardly to one sideof the lid to create a drinking spout feature.

The spout comprises an outer, low profiled, elongated ‘nipple like’ formand a concentric, inwardly tapering trough feature having a sphinctervalve within its base plane. Downward pressure on the nipple opens thesphincter valve thereby enabling flow of beverage to the user. Air issimultaneously drawn through the venting slots into the containerthereby preventing the problematic creation of a vacuum. The moldedspout component is combined with the lid during the manufacturingprocess: it may also be a fully integrated feature of a unitary lidcomponent.

According to at least another embodiment of the invention, a lid for usein conjunction with a beverage container comprises: a plastic molding ofcircular footprint with an inverted ‘U’ channel feature at its perimeterwhich engages the lip of a container. The outermost wall of the channelincorporates a plurality of integrated, inwardly facing latch featuresat its boundary that engage the reentrant detailing on the underside ofthe container. The lid is detached from the container by the purposefuldisengagement of said latch details from the lip.

A second, deeper ‘U’ channel is positioned concentrically inboard of thefirst channel and comprises a plurality of gas-venting slots. Thechannel sealingly locates the lid within the container while providingstructural integrity to the molding. A planer cover surface bordered bythe inner circumference of said second channel, arcs upwardly to oneside of the lid to create a drinking spout.

The spout comprises a low profile, elongated nipple having a circularspindle evolving from its rear surface, about which a sealing plate issnap-located, and a rebated valve seat of elliptical outlineincorporating a plurality of breather holes. Downward pressure on thenipple disengages the sealing washer from the valve seat enabling flowof beverage to the user, and the simultaneous flow of air through thebreather holes to normalize pressure within the container. Theindependent spout component is combined with the lid molding during themanufacturing process: it may also be a fully integrated feature withina unitary lid component.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first describedlatching detail may be integrated within the second alternative liddetail. According to another embodiment of the invention, the seconddescribed latching detail may be integrated within the first alternativelid detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals refer to thesame or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view—front, of a lid assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view—rear, of a lid assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an assembly of a lid and beverage container according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an inverted perspective view—front, of a lid assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section, of a lid assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a scrap section indicating latch detailing and lid/spoutpositional relationship according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view—front, of a lid assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view—rear of a lid assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view—rear of a lid assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an assembly of lid and beverage container according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an inverted perspective view—rear, of a lid assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section, of a lid assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a scrap section indicating latch detailing and lid/spoutpositional relationship according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentinvention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an example of lid assembly 100 isillustrated which comprises lid component 20 and an integrated spout 40.Lid component 20 and spout 40 may be integrated features of a unitarylid assembly 100 or may alternatively be distinct elements which areintegrated during product manufacture. Lid assembly 100 may be producedby injection/over-molding, pressure/vacuum forming or similar technique,or combination thereof, using thermoplastic materials that may includepolystyrene/polyethylene and their derivatives, medical gradepolypropylene, polyurethane or polymer of similar performancecharacteristics, or any other suitable material. Lid component 20 is ofa circular footprint and has a first inverted ‘U’ shape cross-sectionedperimeter channel 21 that is adapted to be in communication with, andremoveably engages from, external reentrant lip 61 of disposablebeverage container 60, as shown in FIGS. 4A-C. Second tapered inscribedchannel 22 is inscribed within the inner circumference of and incommunication with perimeter channel 21 enabling inscribed channel 22 toform a sealing communication against inner lip detail 62 of container60. Inscribed channel 22 is in communication with planar cover surface23 at inscribed channel's 22 inner circumference. Spout 40 is integratedinto the top surface of lid component 20 and is in communication with aportion of cover surface 23 and a portion of inscribed channel 22. Spout40 comprises dispensing aperture 47 and valve 41 wherein valve 41 has afirst position and a second position. The first position is asubstantially closed position defined by a valve position thatsubstantially impedes or reduces the flow of a liquid through the valve.The second position is an open position defined by a valve position thatpermits the flow of liquid through the valve. Valve 41 is biased towardsthe first, or closed, position. Valve 41 may comprise a pressure valve,a slit-valve, flap-valve, sealing plate valve, or any other suitablevalve. During operation valve 41 alternately facilitates fluiddispensing and fluid sealing at the application of downward pressure ofthe user's lips thereupon, shown as Direction G in FIG. 2.

In addition, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate biometrically contoured surface 42 ofspout 40, whose elliptical footprint 43 transitions outwardly at anobtuse angle, shown as J°, with respect to planer cover surface 23 oflid component 20, terminating on swept surface 44. Surface 44 isinvaginated to create tapered ob-round cavity 45. In one embodimentvalve 41 comprises at least one slit or flap 46. In one embodiment valve41 comprises two slits or flaps 46. When user's lip-pressure is appliedto contoured surface 42, cavity 45 rolls inwardly, thereby opening flaps46 of valve 41 and allowing the flow of beverage therethrough. Theangular orientation of at least one dispensing aperture 47, disposed onspout 40 within swept surface 44, provides improved user ergonomicsthat, in distinction to prior art beverage container lids, do notrequire the hyper-extension of the neck when drinking and thereby, amore comfortable, leak-proof drinking experience. The embodiment may ormay not further comprise at least one venting aperture 24. Ventingaperture 24 and/or spout 40 may be formed of a hydrophobic membrane.

In FIGS. 4-6, particular reference is made to one embodiment of acontainer-engagement latching feature 31 and fluid-sealing feature ofperimeter channel 21 of lid component 20 and lid assembly 100. Lidperimeter channel 21 incorporates at least one latching feature 31disposed on its interior surface that is in communication with andremovably engages with the underside external reentrant lip 61 of thebeverage container, thereby reducing the possibility of the accidentalseparation of lid assembly 100 from container 60 and consequent beverageloss. Re-entrant detail latching edges 32 of latch feature 31 enablesthe easy assembly of lid assembly 100 and container 60, but requires thepurposeful disengagement of at least one and preferably at least twoopposed latching edges 32 from the underside of lip 61 for its removal.Latching edges 32 may be sharp-edged and/or eyebrow-shaped, and/or ofany other suitable edge and shape detailing. Molded tabs 27 (FIG. 2),and/or markings 28 (FIG. 2B) and/or similar detailing, delineate thelocation of latch feature 31 on lid perimeter channel 21. SecondInscribed channel 22 may further incorporate at least one ventingaperture 24. Venting aperture 24 may be comprised of at least one minute‘pass by core,’ formed opening or slot, or any other suitable opening.In one embodiment venting aperture 24 is positioned circumferentiallyopposite spout 40. Venting aperture 24 facilitates egress of carbonationfrom within container 60 while simultaneously preventing the loss offluid there through and, ingress of pressure balancing ambient airduring the dispensing of beverage there from.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-13, lid assembly 100 compriseslid component 20 and integrated spout 40. Lid component 20 and spout 40may be integrated features of a unitary lid assembly 100 or mayalternatively be distinct elements that are integrated during productmanufacture. Lid assembly 100 may be produced by injection/over-molding,pressure/vacuum forming or similar technique, or combination thereof,using thermoplastic materials that may include polystyrene/polyethyleneand their derivatives, medical grade polypropylene, polyurethane orpolymer of similar performance characteristics, and/or any othersuitable material. Lid component 20 is of circular footprint and has afirst inverted ‘U’ shape cross-sectioned perimeter channel 21 that isadapted to communicate with, and removeably engages with, externalreentrant lip 61 of disposable beverage container 60, FIG. 11A-C. Secondtapered inscribed channel 22 is inscribed within the inner circumferenceof perimeter channel 21 enabling inscribed channel's 22 sealingcommunication against inner lip detail 62 of container 60. Spout 40comprises valve 41. In this embodiment valve 41 is a sealing plate valveand further comprises sealing plate 48, enabling alternate fluiddispensing or fluid sealing at the application of downward pressure ofthe user's lips thereupon, shown as Direction L in FIGS. 8 and 9. Valve41 has a first position and a second position depending on thedisposition of sealing plate 48. The first position is defined assubstantially closed, reducing the flow of liquid through valve 41, andthe second position is defined as open, allowing the flow of liquidthrough valve 41. Valve 41 is biased towards the first, or closed,position.

FIGS. 7-10, illustrate biometrically contoured surface 42 of spout 40,whose elliptical footprint 43 at arcing surface 50 transitions outwardlyto form elongated dome 51 about vertical axis Q. The arced surface 50 ofdome 51 incorporates, and is pierced by, at least one dispensingaperture 47 and at least one venting aperture 24. Ob-round spindle 54evolves from the rear of arcing surface 50 at point 55 and provides anaxis about which sealing plate 48 of valve 41 is snap-assembled. Aportion of plate 48 is sealingly disposed within rebated feature valveseat 56 at the rear of contoured surface 42 and dome 51. Plate 48 andrebated feature valve seat 56 function cooperatively to provide valve 41function. In an alternative embodiment, valve seat 56 incorporates atleast one venting aperture 24. When lip-pressure is applied to contouredsurface 42, spindle 54 and attached sealing plate 48 roll inwardlyenabling the flow of beverage around plate 48 to dispensing aperture 47,and air to enter the container through venting aperture 24. The angularorientation K of spout 40 and dispensing aperture 47 with respect toplaner cover surface 23, provides improved user ergonomics that, indistinction to prior art beverage container lids, does not require thehyper-extension of the neck when drinking and thereby, a morecomfortable, leak-proof drinking experience.

In FIGS. 11-13, particular reference is made to one embodiment of abeverage container-engagement latching feature 31 and fluid-sealingfeatures of perimeter channel 21 of lid assembly 100. Perimeter channel21 incorporates at least one latching feature 31 that may be incommunication with and reversably engages the underside externalreentrant lip 61 of beverage container 60 thereby reducing theprobability of the accidental separation of lid from container andconsequent fluid loss. At least one latching edge 32 of latching feature31 enables the easy assembly of lid assembly 100 to container 60 butrequires the purposeful disengagement of at least one, and preferably atleast two opposed latching edges 32 from external reentrant lip 61 forits removal. Latching edge 32 may be sharp-edged, re-entrant designed,or any other suitable shape and/or design. Molded tabs 27, markings 28or similar detailing delineate the location of latching feature 31 onperimeter channel 21. Inscribed channel 22 may further incorporate atleast one venting aperture 24. Venting aperture 24 may be comprised ofat least one minute ‘pass by core,’ formed opening, or any othersuitable opening. In one embodiment venting aperture 24 is positionedcircumferentially opposite spout 40. Venting aperture 24 facilitatesegress of carbonation from within container 60 while simultaneouslypreventing the loss of fluid there through and, ingress of pressurebalancing ambient air during the dispensing of beverage there from.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in theforegoing description, together with details of structure and function.The novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. Thedisclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes, may be made indetail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts,within the principle of the invention, to the full extent indicated bythe broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims areexpressed.

1. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid componentand an integrated spout; wherein the spout comprises a dispensingaperture and a valve; wherein the lid component comprises a firstperimeter channel dimensioned to reversibly engage the lip of acontainer and a second inscribed channel in communication with the innercircumference of the first perimeter channel; at least one latchingfeature disposed on an interior surface of the first perimeter channel;and wherein the valve has a first position and a second position.
 2. Theassembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one venting aperture.3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve is biased towards thefirst position.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve comprisesat least one flap.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valvecomprises a sealing plate.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thelatching feature comprises at least one latching edge.
 7. A lid assemblyfor a beverage container comprising: a lid component and an integratedspout; wherein the spout comprises a dispensing aperture and a valve;wherein the lid component comprises a first perimeter channeldimensioned to reversibly engage the lip of a container and a secondinscribed channel in communication with the inner circumference of thefirst perimeter channel; at least one latching feature disposed on aninterior surface of the first perimeter channel; wherein the valve has afirst position and a second position; and at least one venting aperture.8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one venting aperture isdisposed on the lid component.
 9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein theat least one venting aperture is disposed on the integrated spout. 10.The assembly of claim 7, wherein the venting aperture is comprised of ahydrophobic membrane.
 11. The assembly of claim 7, wherein theintegrated spout is formed by a hydrophobic membrane.
 12. The assemblyof claim 7, comprising at least two latching features.
 13. The assemblyof claim 7, comprising one continuous latching feature disposed aroundthe interior surface of the first perimeter channel.
 14. A lid assemblyfor a beverage container comprising: a lid component and an integratedspout; wherein the spout comprises a dispensing aperture and a valve;wherein the lid component comprises a first perimeter channeldimensioned to reversibly engage the lip of a container and a secondinscribed channel in communication with the inner circumference of thefirst perimeter channel; at least one latching feature disposed on aninterior surface of the first perimeter channel; wherein the valve has afirst closed position and a second open position, wherein the valve isbiased towards the first closed position; and at least one ventingaperture.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the valve comprises atleast one flap.
 16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the valvecomprises a sealing plate.
 17. The assembly of claim 14, comprising atleast two venting apertures.
 18. The assembly of claim 14, wherein theat least one venting aperture is disposed on the integrated spout. 19.The assembly of claim 16, further comprising a valve seat incorporatingat least one venting aperture which is sealed off by a sealing platewhen the valve is in the first closed position and are open when thevalve is in the second open position.
 20. The assembly of claim 14,wherein the at least one venting aperture is disposed on the lidcomponent.